Black Expo's first parade was held downtown Indianapolis in 1973. Leading the parade was James Cummings, Jr. with Larry Ligget as the grand mashall. Shown in the photograph is the Miss Indiana Black Expo parade float with Sr. Queen Gabrielle Coleman seated.
Participants included: High school bands from Attucks, Gary Roosevelt, Gary Tolleston and Sumner of St. Louis, Holy Angels Drum and Bugle Corps, Bold Black Brothers Drill Team, dignitaries and 25 groups from the Shrine.